476 AD, the last western Roman Emperor has just been removed from power. Barbarians have crossed over the Roman limes (=borders) and settled in the ancient Roman provinces. Most of them, but not all, were Germanic people and their rulers became the new kings of small Germanic Kingdoms.

A new Europe is arising, blending Germanic traditions with the Roman cultural legacy. All over Europe, Christendom becomes the actual link.

This is a dark and confusing period, but the Roman heritage has not disappeared: in the eastern Europe the Roman power still remains, we call it Byzantine Empire, in western Europe Charlemagne, a Frankish king, is crowned by Pope as the new Roman Western Emperor.

Let´s review several topics related to these Early Middle Ages Empires.